Cost of Living in Spain versus the United States

Earning 30,000€ per year in Spain versus $100,000 per year in the USA comes down to differences in taxes, cost of living, social benefits, and overall quality of life. Here’s how they compare:

1. Taxes & Take-Home Pay

• Spain (30,000€)

  
  

  • Income tax + social security contributions = ~25–30%

  • Net income: ~21,000–22,500€ per year (~1,750–1,875€ per month)

  
  

• USA ($100,000)

  
  

  • Federal + state + payroll taxes = ~25–35% (varies by state)

  • Net income: $65,000–75,000 per year ($5,400–6,250 per month)

    
    

👉 The U.S. salary results in higher take-home pay, but other costs must be considered.

2. Cost of Living

• Spain:

  
  

  • Rent in a mid-sized city (e.g., Valencia): 700–1,200€ for a nice apartment

  • Groceries & eating out: affordable, fresh local food

  • Healthcare: low-cost universal coverage (~100€/month if self-employed, free if employed)

  • Public transport: cheap (~40€/month for unlimited travel)

  • Energy bills: moderate (~100€/month for utilities)

  
  

• USA:

  
  

  • Rent in a mid-sized city (e.g., Austin, Denver): $1,500–2,500 for a similar apartment

  • Groceries & eating out: more expensive, especially fresh produce

  • Healthcare: private insurance ($300–800/month), high deductibles

  • Public transport: limited in most cities, car expenses required (~$500+/month including insurance, fuel, maintenance)

  • Energy bills: higher in some states ($150–300/month)

  
  

👉 In Spain, 30,000€ allows for a comfortable lifestyle, while in the U.S., $100,000 can still feel stretched, especially in expensive cities.

3. Work-Life Balance & Benefits

• Spain:

  
  

  • 35–40-hour workweek, strong worker protections

  • 30 days of paid vacation + 14 public holidays

  • Paid parental leave

  • Long lunch breaks, more relaxed work culture

  
  

• USA:

  
  

  • 40+ hour workweek, fewer protections

  • No federally mandated paid vacation (typically 10–15 days if lucky)

  • Minimal paid parental leave (depends on employer)

  • Fast-paced, work-focused culture

  
  

👉 Spain offers significantly better work-life balance, while the U.S. generally expects more work for higher pay.

4. Savings & Purchasing Power

• Spain:

  
  

  • Lower salary, but lower expenses and more security (healthcare, pensions, job stability).

  • Homeownership more attainable with lower housing costs.

  
  

• USA:

  
  

  • Higher salary allows more potential savings & investments, but high living costs (housing, healthcare) eat into that.

  • More career growth potential, but at the cost of stability and stress.

  
  

Final Verdict

• If you prioritize salary, career growth, and material wealth, the U.S. might be better.

• If you value work-life balance, lower stress, and a comfortable lifestyle with fewer financial risks, Spain is the better option.

For many, 30,000€ in Spain can feel equivalent (or even better) than $100,000 in the U.S. due to lower expenses and better social benefits.